Trump claims Putin "strongly" wants deal to end war
US President Donald Trump has claimed that Russian ruler Vladimir Putin really wants to end his war against Ukraine.
Source: Trump's comments to journalists on 10 October, as reported by European Pravda
Details: Journalists asked Trump what Putin had told him during their phone conversation on 9 October.
Quote: "He'd like to see a settlement. President Putin would like to see a settlement strongly." [N.B. Ukrainska Pravda does not recognise Putin as president – ed.]
Details: Trump then added that Russia supplies significant quantities of oil to the global market.
"And look, he's freeing up a lot of oil for the world. Okay. A good thing. And by the way, at a very low price," he said.
Background:
- On 9 October, Trump said he had had a "highly successful discussion" with Putin and reached an agreement on lifting sanctions on Russian diesel fuel.
- The agreement between Trump and Putin sparked outrage in Ukraine and European capitals.
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy strongly criticised Trump's actions, describing the easing of sanctions as an "absolutely terrible" move.
- Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal called the US president's decision a major mistake and urged increased support for Ukraine so that it could turn Russian oil refineries into ruins.
- The Finnish prime minister described the agreement as "a terrible disappointment".
- EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said Europe will not ease its pressure on Russia following the agreement between Trump and Putin.
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